1st June 2024

Step Together Volunteering partners with Avon & Somerset Police to support young people in Bristol as part of new deferred prosecution scheme.

Step Together Volunteering are pleased to be part of the new ‘Chance to Change’ deferred prosecution programme in partnership with Avon & Somerset Police. The programme will support young people who have offended by working on out of court resolutions and removing the barrier of needing to admit guilt, an approach which has been found effective in reducing reoffending for young adults. STV is delivering Chance to Change in a partnership led by Rise Mutual CIC, which also includes The Nelson Trust.

STV currently supports young people in Bristol who are not in education, employment or training, to help them reach their potential and find their passion, through 1-1 support and community volunteering. As part of the ‘Chance to Change’ scheme, we will be running two additional programmes providing specialist support for young people who are at risk of entering the criminal justice system cycle. One will be a group programme working on employment related skills, and the other will be a 1-1 support based programme.

We believe that every young person has something to offer.

'Step Together Volunteering is excited to be supporting Chance to Change, it is a unique and innovative scheme that offers us a new way to reach and support more young people to build a life away from the justice system. Step Together Volunteering works in the South West and nationally to support clients to build their skills, confidence, and supportive networks through 1-1 coaching, community volunteering roles and tailored group training sessions. We look forward to the learning that Chance to Change will bring us and to supporting many young adults toward brighter futures.' Anna-Clare Temple CEO, Step Together Volunteering